Card index and slidable signal



Dec. 16, 1952 w. F. BLOCK CARD INDEX AND SLIDABLE SIGNAL Filed Oct. 14, 1948 u Qn mw K Patented Dec. 16, 1952 CARD INDEX AND SLIDABLE SIGNAL Wilhelm F. Block,vWhite Plains, N. Y., assigner to Remington Rand Inc., New York, N. Y., a

corporation of Delaware Application October 14, 1948, Serial No. 54,434

4 Claims.

rlhis invention relates to improvements in visible index equipment and particularly to a slidable signal and card construction. y

The invention provides an index card and signal for visible indexes having a slidable signal construction operable over a greater length of the visible margin of an index card for signaling information of a variable or progressive nature.

The invention provides a construction having a telescoping and sliding signal assembly associated with the visible indexed margin of a visible index card constructed so that a greater portion of the margin of the card, substantially more than half of the margin may be used for signaling purposes with the sliding and telescopic signal assembly. The telescoping sliding signal assembly is constructed so that a series of substantially duplicate signal sections may be arranged in overlapping interengaged relation and slidab-ly retained by any suitable means on the visible margin of an index card. Substantially the entire signal assembly may be concealed from view at one limit o1" the operation of the signal which mayA be a non-signaling position, with the signal assembly arranged for progressive sliding movement over the visible card margin with each signal section being gradually extended with respect to its adjacent section until the extended signal assembly cooperates to cover the entire major portion of the card margin provided forsignaling purposes. Suitable means for retaining the signals in interengaged relation against detachment from one another is provided by the invention and so arranged in cooperation with an index card that one of the signal sections of the telescoping assembly engaged through a slot in the index card is provided with means to interlock with a means on the index card to retain the signal assembly against complete detachment from the index card. Manual sliding of the signal assembly back and forth will bring as much of the signal assembly into visible relation on the margin of the card as may be desired for a desired signaling operation, while the remaining portion of the signal assembly is concealed behind another portion of the card or other suitable means associated therewith. f-

In the drawing:

I Fig. 1 shows the lower portion of a card holder in elevation carrying an index card and a transparent marginalsheath with a plurality of interengaged signals in extended signaling relation over the visible card margin, a portion of the sheath being removed for clarity in illustration. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevation of the lower CII 2 portion of the card holder and index card shown in Fig. 1, showing how a plurality of individual signals are held in telescoped, abutting and nonsignaling relation when not in use.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-section taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 1, illustrating the interengagement oi the cooperative means of the contiguous telescoping signals.

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-section, taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows the telescoping signals shown in Fig. 1, in perspective.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary elevation of the lower portion of a card holder and index card similar to the one shown in Fig. 1, showing a modied form of telescoping signal provided with means for interengaging an index card in a manner different from that illustrated in Fig. l.

Fig. 7 shows one of the signals shown in Fig. 6, in perspective.

Fig. 8 shows a signal arranged for sliding interengagement with another signal in perspective, but without means for interlocking engagement with the index card or a contiguous telescoping signal.

A card holder It is provided with a transparent sheath II along one margin, said sheath being secured thereon in any suitable manner wellknown in the art, as by wire stitches I2. The other marginal end of card I0 is provided with means (not shown) for hingedly mounting said -card holder on a panel or tray in visible indexed relation with other similar card holders in a manner well-known in the art. Other wellknown means, such as diagonal slots, are provided adjacent the marginal corners of theportion of card holder Ill, not shown in the drawing, for removably securing one margin of a record card I3 adjacentthe means for suspending the card holder on a panel or tray. Data of any kind may be recorded on the card and is usually arranged in rows and columns. An index is provided along the other and visible margin I4 of record card I3, said margin It being engaged in and enclosed by sheath II. Y

The front upper edge of sheath I I has inturned `flange I5 extending across visible margin I4 when card I3 is engaged in the sheath and supported on the Vcard holder. Visible margin I4 of record card I3 is provided with a slot I6 extending transversely thereof and located near the left-hand edge of card I3, as shown in the drawing. An aperture I'I is formed in card I3 adjacent slot I6 and located between slot I' and the left-hand edge of card I3. Slot It and aperture I1 are enclosed in sheath i i when margin ifi is engaged in the sheath and supported on the card holder.

Slot le, as illustrated, is positioned at a distance from the left-hand edge of margin ill egual to about one-fourth of the length of the visible margin. This enables the major length of the Visible margin to be indexed for visible signaling purposes while the shorter left-hand portion of margin le may receive the visible index for the card and the information recorded thereon. A telescoping signal assembly is indicated at I3 for cooperation with index indicia 33 on margin Iii for signaling purposes. Signal assembly It is formed of a plurality of transparent flexible strips id. Each signal section IQ has an elongated body portion slightly greater in length than one-quarter of the length of margin I4 of record card I3, as shown in the drawing. The length of the body portion of each section I9 is determined for any telescoping signal assembly made according to the invention by the distance between slot I and the adjacent edge of card I3 behind which the signal assembly is concealed in its fully telescoped position. A handle 2d extends laterally at one end of each section I9 and projects outwardly over card I3 beyond the upper edge of sheath I I for manual engagement so the signal may be adjusted. The end of each section i9 formed with handle 2@ also has a diagonal slot 2l formed therein in transverse inclined relation and opening outwardly at the lower edge. Each section Ill is cut away at 22, to provide a beveled corner to facilitate insertion of signal section I9 in slot 2l of an adjacent signal section and in slot IB of index card 3.

A plurality of struck-out or offset lips or blisters are formed in each section i9 for slidably engaging under inturned flange I5, slidably retaining signal assembly IS in sheath l I and also, for interengagement of lips on one signal with lips on the next adjacent signal in providing for the desired operation of the signal assembly. In the form shown in Figs. l to 5, lips 23 and 254 are located at the handle end of each section i9 and arranged in vertical alignment below handle 2d. Lip 23 projects forwardly from the body portion of each section i9 and forms a horizontally disposed shoulder slidably engaged against the lower margin of returned ilange I5 tc prevent vertical displacement of each section it and signal assembly i8 relative to sheath l I. Lip 2d projects rearwardly from the body portion of each section i9 in the central portion of the handle end, forms a vertically arranged shoulder facing the opposite end of the section and is in horizontal alignment with lip projecting forwardly from the opposite end of each section lil.

Lips 2li and 25 provide shoulders arranged in opposed relation for engagement with one another when one section I9 is pulled to the right as shown in Fig. l into an extended position with respect to the next adjacent section I9 for pulling this adjacent section with it toward extended relation in further sliding movement of inner right-hand section i9 toward the right-hand side of card i3. Lips 24 and 25 on adjacent sections I9 cooperate to retain one section engaged in slot 2I in an adjacent section against detachment so that a series of sections I9 may be interengaged for relative sliding or telescoping movement between an overlapping telescoped position, as shown in Fig. 2, or an extended position as shown in Fig. l. Lip 25 on the foremost signal engages in aperture Il when a series of signal sections I9 of assembly IB are in extended relation as shown CII in Fig. l, thus providing an anchor to limit the movement of the assembled signals in extended relation by preventing withdrawal of said foremost section i9 from engagement in slot i6.

The indicia 36 on margin ill of card i3 may be printed on the margin of the card between slot i6 and the right-hand edge of the card as shown in the drawing, to indicate any desired scale or type of information that may be useful in signaling information of a desired character, recorded in connection with the data on the card that is customary in the use of visible index signals.

It is to be understood that in referring to index card i3 and margin lll as a means of providing a structure having a slot it for concealing a portion of the signal assembly l@ and having another portion exposed over the margin le for cooperation with scale or indicia 33, the invention further contemplates the use of a separate strip or insert, generally known in the art as a title insert, over the face of the card which functions in exactly the same manner as the card in the above description. It is well-known that a title insert may be provided with a slot It and provide the visible marginal portion Iii within sheath lI exposed to view in a visible index over the marginal portion of an index card carried in the card holder. The title insert or index strip is supported by sheath l I and the card holder with an index card in a well-known manner. Reference to a visible margin or the like for cooperation with the signal assembly in the claims will be understood to include a title insert or similar strip as well as index card i3.

Signal section 2S, Fig. '7, is generally similar to signal section I@ of signal assembly I3. It has body 2l, handle 23 at one end, diagonal slot 29,

eveled corner El?, and retaining lip 3l. All of these parts of section 25 have the same length, shape, and location as the corresponding elements i9, 2Q, 2l, 22 and 23 respectively, of signal section lli, and perform similar functions in a similar manner. Lips similar to lips 2d and 25 of signal sections I9 are omitted. Instead, a

projection 32 is formed on the upper edge of signal E5 at the end opposite handle 2S to engage card I3 adjacent slot I or the handle end of an adjacent signal section 25 to retain the signal sections against disengagement from card I3 and from each other. The manner in which projection 32 on one signal section 26 interengages with an adjacent signal section and card i3 is clearly shown in Fig. 6. Otherwise, the use and operation of section 25 and a signal assembly using sections 2li is the same as described in relation to signal assembly i8.

Signal section 33, Fig. 8, is generally similar in shape and size to signal sections lil and 26. It has body 3d, handle diagonal slot 3e, beveled corner i, and is of similar shape, size, and location as the corresponding parts le, 2li, 2i and 22 respectively, ci signal section i8. Signal sections 33 may be assembled and operated with an index card in substantially the same manner as signal assembly hl. All interlocking elements, however, are omitted. Signal sections 33 may be moved freely in and out of sheath l i independently of one another but also in telescoping relation relative to each other to obtain the same signaling cooperation with an index card margin as signal assembly E8. It is particularly adapted i-cr use when additional or supplemental signals are required in addition to a` series of signal sec- -v tionsIBor 26, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, respectively.

In a visible index using a signal assembly with an index card, insert or the like on a card holder Vhaving an indexed marginal portion arranged to cover the major portion of the width of the card, card holder, or the like, it will be understood thatr the: signal assembly provides for the telescoping of a plurality of signal sections into overlapping relation as illustrated in the drawing in Fig. 2 in'concealed relation behind a margin of the index card or insert with the handles on the signals in position for manual engagement so that one or mor-e signals maybe moved over the visible portion of the index card margin for signaling purposes. By using telescoping signals it will be clear that when the signals are in telescoped relation a plurality of sections sufficient to cover the entire width of the card margin can be provided. They may be concealed behind a relatively small portion of the card margin, substantially less than half of the margin in telescoped relation. This leaves the major portion of the card margin substantially more than half, such as three-quarters of the card margin, as shown in the drawing, exposed to view for indexing purposes with the use of the telescoping signal assembly for signaling cooperation with indicia 38 applied to the major portion of the card margin to the right of slot I6. In this way, the telescoping signal assembly facilitates an indexing and signaling operation in a visible index with each card and card holder having a major portion, considerably more than half of the visible margin of a card used for the signaling operation, thereby obtaining a substantially improved indexing and signaling system employing the telescoping signal assembly. j

Sheath Il cooperates with index card I3 and the several signal sections when constructed as shown for example in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, to retain the assembled sections in telescoping relation with one end portion slidably engaged through the slot in the opposite end of an adjacent signal such as slot 2I. In turn flange I5 cooperates with retaining projections 23 or 3| to slidably hold the signal sections on the card holder in cooperation with the portion of the card at the upper end of slot I6 for normally preventing their accidental detachment from the card holder and sheath. With signals constructed, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the sections may be advantageousli7 interengaged through slot I6 in the card and through slots 2I or 29 of an adjacent signal section for interengaging two or more signal sections in slidable relation for telescoping operation. Projections 24 and 25 on adjacent signal sections I9 cooperate for retaining a pair of adjacent signal sections from being disengaged from one another when one signal section is moved into an extended relation with respect to an -adjacent interengaged signal section. These projections or lips also cooperate to transmit the motion applied to the handle of one signal section to secure movement of all of the trailing signal ysections associated therewith in telescoping relation. In this way an end signal section of an assembly I8 may 'be moved to the right from the position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown and inFig. 1, by manually engaging an operating handle 20 at the right-hand side ofthe signal assembly, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. By moving the end signal at the, right-hand end of the assembly, as shown inthe drawing, to the right from the position shown in Fig. -2 to that shown in Fig. rLprojections 24 and 25 will cooperate to pull the trailing sections I9 into the position shown in Fig. 1 without manually engaging handles 20 of the two sections shown tothe left of the right-handvsection I9. Projection 25 on the foremost signal at the left-hand side of the signal sections. I9 shown in Fig. 1 also cooperates with card I3 through aperture I'I to limit the movement of signal assembly I8 in the extended position relative to card I3 for normally retaining the signal sections against detachment from card I3 throughslot IIS.

Projection 32 on each signal section 26 secures an operation similar t0 projections -2li and 25 by cooperating with'. card I3 above the end of slot I6 to retain one signal of. a signal assembly at one end thereof against detachment from the index card through slot I6. .On the other interengaged signals of an assembly, projections 32 will cooperate with the opposite end adjacent handle portions 28 for retaining adjacent signals against complete detachment from one another by withdrawal of the signals through slots 29 in a manner clearly shown in Fig. '6.

Beveled ends 22, 30 and 3'I of the several signal sections facilitate the insertion of each signal section into assembled relation with a card and card holder in sheath II. These beveled ends facilitate the insertion of the end of a signal section through slot 2I, 29 or 36 respectively of an adjacent signal as well as slot I6 in an index card.

A plurality of signal sections 33 may be used to provide a signal assembly in telescoped relation with one end of each signal section 33 engaged through slot 36 of an adjacent signal section with the signal sections arranged for the engagement of the ends thereof through slot I6 in an index card for relative telescoping movement. Since no projections are provided on signal sections 33 for interengagement with cooperating complementary projections on an adjacent signal, it is obviously necessary in operating a signal assembly using signal sections 33 to move each section independently of the other by manually engaging each handle 35. A plurality of signal sections 33 may be operated so as to secure the complete cooperation with indicia 38 that is secured by the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 2, through the relative operation of each signal section manually relatively to one another into an extended relation. such as shown in Fig. 1.

The invention claimed is:

1. An index device comprising a card having a slot in one edge portion. a signal slidably mounted for signaling cooperation with a margin of said index card having one end adapted to extend through said slot, means on said signal adjacent said one end to engage said index card and retain said signal against complete detachment from said card, said signal having a. slot formed at its other end, a second signal slidably engaged in the slot of said first-mentioned signal, means on said second signal at one end for engaging and retaining said second signal against complete detachment from said iirst signal, said signals being movable between overlapping telescoped relation and an extended relaltionin signaling cooperation v'vithsaid margin of said card.

index devicecomprising yan index` card 'having-a slot formedin one margin about onefourth `thedistance from one end of said' margin,

asheath of transparent material embracing said margin Yof said card, and a plurality of signal strips'slidably mounted in telescopic relation in sliding tending through said slot in. said index card in :superimposed relation and havingportions ex posed and portions concealed by said card margin, lsaid exposed signal portions being variable for-variable signaling cooperation with said card ymargin, a handle on eaohsignal strip adjacent "said slot ymeans for manual engagement to move each signal strip relative to said index card and 'to each other, and stop means on the opposite `end ofeach signal strip to limit the sliding movement of said signal strips relative to said card and to each other.

:3.` The structure 'of claim '1 in which a second stop means is provided adjacent each handle, saidrsecond stop means vcooperating with a portion of said sheath to retain said signal strips in said sheath.

4. Asignal for visible indexes comprising an elongated strip, Van extension on one end projecting laterally from oneY side and forming a, handle, said strip being formed with a transverse slot adjacent said handle opening through the opposite side for slidably receiving another signal, a retaining projection integrally formed on the opposite end of said strip for cooperation with a similar signal when said opposite end is engaged through the slot of said similar signal to retain two signals slidably interengaged 'against completedetachment from one another.

WILHELM F. BLOCK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

' UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,289,743 Hammond Deo. 3l, 1918 1,876,236 Jackson Sept. 6, 1932 2,005,977 Kitchen June 25, 1935 

